U.S. patent application number 13/028030 was filed with the patent office on 2012-08-16 for selection graphics overlay of matrix code.
This patent application is currently assigned to EchoStar Technologies L.L.C.. Invention is credited to Steven M. Casagrande, Max S. Gratton, Charlie W. Zetterower.
Application Number | 20120206648 13/028030 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 45689056 |
Filed Date | 2012-08-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20120206648 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Casagrande; Steven M. ; et
al. |
August 16, 2012 |
Selection Graphics Overlay of Matrix Code
Abstract
The document discloses a method for communicating information,
such as audiovisual data and other information to a user. The
method includes receiving a broadcast signal on a content receiver.
The broadcast signal includes a video signal and a graphical
signal, and the graphical signal includes a matrix barcode. After
the content receiver receives the broadcast signal, the content
receiver determines whether the matrix barcode should be displayed.
The determination that the matrix barcode should be displayed may
be based on the geographic location of the content receiver or user
settings/preferences stored on the content receiver. If the matrix
barcode should be displayed, the content receiver creates and
outputs a modified signal. The modified signal includes the video
signal with the matrix barcode overlaid on top of the video signal.
If the matrix barcode should not be displayed, the content receiver
outputs the broadcast signal.
Inventors: |
Casagrande; Steven M.;
(Castle Rock, CO) ; Zetterower; Charlie W.;
(Parker, CO) ; Gratton; Max S.; (Lakewood,
CO) |
Assignee: |
EchoStar Technologies
L.L.C.
Englewood
CO
|
Family ID: |
45689056 |
Appl. No.: |
13/028030 |
Filed: |
February 15, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
348/462 ;
235/494; 348/467 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04N 21/8146 20130101;
H04N 21/4524 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
348/462 ;
235/494; 348/467 |
International
Class: |
H04N 7/00 20110101
H04N007/00; G06K 19/06 20060101 G06K019/06 |
Claims
1. A method for communicating information to a user, comprising the
operations of: receiving on a content receiver a broadcast signal
comprising a video signal and a graphical signal, wherein the
graphical signal comprises a matrix barcode; determining whether
the matrix barcode should be displayed; if the matrix barcode
should be displayed, creating a modified signal, wherein the
modified signal comprises the video signal with the matrix barcode
overlaid on the video signal; outputting the modified signal; and
if the matrix barcode should not be displayed, outputting the
broadcast signal and not the matrix barcode.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the broadcast signal further
comprises an audio signal; and the graphical signal further
comprises subtitling data corresponding to the video signal.
3. The method of claim 1, further comprising selectively displaying
on a display device one of the broadcast signal or the modified
signal.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein: the graphical signal varies
based on a location of the content receiver; and the video signal
does not vary based on the location of the content receiver.
5. The method of claim 4, further comprising providing a user
specific content; and updating the matrix barcode to include the
user specific content prior to outputting the modified signal.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein a display location of the matrix
barcode on a display device is determined by the user specific
content.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein the operation of determining
whether the matrix barcode should be displayed comprises: analyzing
the broadcast signal to determine if a geographic location of the
content receiver corresponds to a geographic datum in the graphical
signal; and determining if a user preference corresponds to a
display datum of the graphical signal.
8. A method for receiving and displaying content, comprising the
operations of: receiving on a content receiver a data signal and a
video signal; generating a matrix barcode based on the data signal;
displaying the video signal on a display device; in the event that
a geographic location of the content receiver corresponds to a
geographic datum in the data signal, displaying an image
corresponding to the video signal; and further in the event that a
geographic location of the content receiver corresponds to a
geographic datum in the data signal, displaying over a portion of
the image the matrix barcode.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein operation of determining further
comprises, determining if a user preference data corresponds to a
display data in the data signal.
10. The method of claim 8, wherein the content receiver generates
the matrix barcode.
11. The method of claim 8, further comprising receiving on the
content receiver an audio signal.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the data signal further
comprises subtitling data and the audio signal, the video signal
and the data signal correspond to a television channel.
13. The method of claim 12, wherein a display location of the
matrix barcode on the display device is determined by user data
stored on the content receiver.
14. The method of claim 8, wherein the matrix barcode comprises a
graphical image of a a first set of data in the horizontal
direction; and a second set of data in the vertical direction.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein the first set of data and the
second set of data correspond to a coupon.
16. The method of claim 14, wherein the matrix barcode further
comprises user data.
17. A content receiver comprising: a communication interface
configured to receive a broadcast signal, the broadcast signal
comprising a video signal and a graphical signal, wherein the
graphic signal comprises a matrix barcode and geographic data; and
a processor in communication with the communication interface,
wherein the processor is configured to output the video signal;
process the graphical signal to determine if a matrix barcode
should be displayed based on whether a location of the content
receiver corresponds to the geographic data; and overlay the matrix
barcode onto a portion of the video signal in response to a
determination to output the matrix barcode.
18. The content receiver of claim 17, wherein the processor
extracts the matrix barcode from the graphical signal.
19. The content receiver of claim 17, wherein the processor
generates the matrix barcode based on the graphical signal.
20. The content receiver of claim 19, wherein when generating the
matrix barcode the processor utilizes a set of user data.
Description
FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates generally to audiovisual
content and more specifically to overlaying a computer-readable
code on audiovisual content.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Content providers provide content such as audio, video and
combinations thereof to a large number of users. For example, a
particular television show may be broadcast to users throughout the
country. This means that often a content provider may provide
content to users that may not be relevant to all users. For
example, in a television commercial for a department store, the
address given may not be the closest store location for a
particular user.
[0003] Also, some content providers may struggle to find
advertisers and/or increase the number of viewers for particular
content. Similarly, advertisers may desire to increase the number
of customers, orders, and the like. In this case, content providers
may wish to provide incentives (such as coupons) to encourage users
to watch their content. However, in many instances it may be
difficult to provide incentives to a particular user without
providing the incentives to a larger audience as well. Similarly,
it may be difficult to determine if a particular user has actually
watched a specific content or simply received the information (such
as a coupon code) from another source.
[0004] In some instances, certain messages or other information may
be overlaid on top of a particular content. For example, public
service messages, website data (e.g., uniform resource locators
"URL"), enhanced news information (e.g., storm warnings) and so on.
In these instances, a portion of the video content may be blocked
and/or interrupted as the message/information is overlaid on top of
the content. These messages may be provided to all users or a
select group of users and may be controlled by a content
provider.
SUMMARY
[0005] An embodiment of the present disclosure includes a method
for communicating information to a user. The method includes
receiving on a content receiver, a broadcast signal. The broadcast
signal may include a video signal and a graphical signal, and the
graphical signal may include a matrix barcode. Then, after the
matrix barcode is received, a content receiver may determine
whether the matrix barcode should be displayed. If the matrix
barcode should be displayed, the content receiver creates and
outputs a modified signal. The modified signal includes the video
signal with the matrix barcode overlaid on top of the video signal.
If the matrix barcode should not be displayed, the content receiver
outputs the broadcast signal.
[0006] Other embodiments may include a method for receiving and
displaying content. The method may include a content receiver
configured to receive a data signal and a video signal. After the
content receiver receives the data signal and video signal, it may
generate a matrix barcode based on the data signal. During, after
or before the matrix barcode is generated the video signal may be
displayed on a display device. The content receiver may then
determine whether to display the matrix barcode. If the matrix
barcode should be displayed, then an image corresponding to the
video signal may be displayed on a display device and the matrix
barcode may be displayed over a portion of the image.
[0007] Still other embodiments include a content receiver having a
communication interface and a processor. The communication
interface may be configured to receive a broadcast signal. The
broadcast signal may include a video signal and a graphical or data
signal, the graphical or data signal may further include a matrix
barcode. The processor is in communication with the communication
interface. The processor may be configured to output the video
signal, process the graphical or data signal to determine if a
matrix barcode should be displayed and overlay the matrix barcode
onto a portion of the video signal, in response to a determination
to output the matrix barcode.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0008] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a content provider in
communication with a content receiver and a display device.
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the content receiver receiving
the broadcast signal and in communication with the display
device.
[0010] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a channel transmitted in the
broadcast signal, showing the various data steams making up the
channel.
[0011] FIG. 4 is a screenshot for an embodiment of an output signal
displayed on the display device.
[0012] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of an embodiment for receiving and
displaying the broadcast signal of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram of another embodiment for receiving
and displaying the content signal of FIG. 4, where the content
receiver generates the matrix barcode.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] Various examples of a system to display a matrix barcode,
(such as a quick response or QR code), on a television display
along with, interpreted into, or overlaid in a video content
display are described herein. The matrix barcode may relay multiple
types of data to a user, as well as be easily transmitted and/or
transferred to other electronic devices and/or users. Further, the
matrix barcode may be customizable to a select user or users and/or
content receiver(s).
[0015] A content provider or source may broadcast and/or deliver
one or more content or broadcast signals to a content receiver
and/or a group of content receivers. The broadcast signals may
include audio signals, video signals and/or subtitling signals. In
one embodiment, the content signals may also include a graphical
signal and/or a data signal. In some embodiments, the matrix
barcode may be sent via the graphical signal; and, in other
embodiments, the matrix barcode (or data for creating the matrix
barcode) may be sent via a separate data channel. The audio, video,
subtitling, graphical and/or data signals may be grouped together
or include an identifier or marker (such as metadata) to indicate
that a particular set of signals corresponds to one another and to
a particular channel. For example, an audio signal and a video
signal may both include a particular identifier such that correct
audio may display with the correct video. Similarly, the graphical
signal (including the matrix barcode) may include an identifier
associating the signal with the audio and/or video signals. This
may allow the matrix code to display with the corresponding
audio/video display.
[0016] A content receiver may receive the broadcast signals via a
communication mechanism (e.g., wireless or wired communication
path). A user may then select a particular channel and/or
particular content to be displayed. A selected channel may include
a graphical signal carrying a matrix barcode and/or data for
creating a matrix barcode. Depending on the channel selected by the
user, time, location, user preferences or the like, the content
receiver may display the matrix barcode on top or as part of the
content to be displayed (e.g., over a video image or as the video
image). The matrix barcode generally takes the form of a graphical
display containing embedded data and may be used to allow the user
to transmit and/or receive information. For example, the matrix
barcode may be recorded by the user via an electronic device (e.g.,
digital camera, smart phone, tablet computer, or the like) and then
presented to a store to scan as an electronic coupon. The matrix
barcode may provide content providers with an ability to reward
users for watching a particular program, channel and/or relay
information directly to a particular user or set of users.
[0017] In some embodiments, the matrix barcode may be customized
based on the location of the content receiver, preferences or
settings of the content receiver, and/or other user data or
preferences. For instance, the matrix barcode may include a coupon
for a store near the location of the user and/or the location of
the content receiver. This is because the matrix barcode may be
customized depending on the particular content receiver, while
still allowing other portions of a particular channel's signal
(i.e., the audio and visual signals) to remain substantially the
same. For example, the audiovisual display for a selected channel
may be the same for content receivers in New York and Los Angeles,
but the matrix barcode displayed may be different (or have
different data embedded within it). This may be possible as the
graphical and/or data signals may be tied to a particular channel,
as well as to a particular location. Thus, in this example, the
channel for ABC in New York may include a first graphical signal or
data signal, whereas the channel for ABC in Los Angeles may include
a different graphical or data signal, although the audiovisual
signals may be substantially the same. Additionally, the graphical
and/or data signals that may be displayed may also depend on
previous viewing patterns of a particular user (as determined by
the content receiver), authorization for particular content and/or
use preferences.
[0018] In other embodiments, the content signal may not include the
graphical display of the matrix barcode, but rather data used to
create the matrix barcode. The graphical and/or data signal(s) may
be used by the content receiver in order to create a matrix barcode
that may be customized to each content receiver. For example, the
matrix barcode data may be based on information that reflects the
particular user's geographic location, language preference, or
other types of user selected/determined preferences. In this
embodiment, the content receiver receives data carried in the
content signal or broadcast signals and analyzes the data to
generate a matrix barcode. Then, depending on the time, channel or
the like, the content receiver may overlay the matrix barcode on
top of the audio/visual content displayed on the display.
[0019] FIG. 1 illustrates a content distribution system 100. The
content distribution system 100 may include a content receiver 104
in communication with both a content display device 102 and a
content provider 114 or broadcast center. The content distribution
system 100 distributes content (such as television programming or
the like) from the content provider 114 to a content receiver 104,
which may then output the broadcast signal to a display device 102.
The content distribution system 100 may include a plurality of
content receivers 104 and/or content providers 114, or may include
a single content provider 114 for multiple content receivers 104.
Additionally or alternatively, the content distribution system 100
may distribute content from the content source 114 to a specific
addressable content receiver 104 (e.g., "on-demand" television
programming) and/or a select group of content receivers 104. For
example, the broadcast signal 116 may be broadcast (i.e., sent from
a content source to all content receivers 104), unicast (i.e., sent
from a content source to a single content receiver 104) and/or
multicast (i.e., sent from a content source to a group but not all
content receivers 104).
[0020] The content provider 114 communicates via a communication
path 112 to the network 110, and via the network 110 communicates
through another communication path 106 to the content receiver 104.
The content receiver 104 receives content from the content provider
114 (via the communication paths 106, 112) and transmits the
content to the display device 102. The display device 102 then may
display the content 102.
[0021] The content provider 114 selectively provides audiovisual
content to one or more content receivers 104. The content provider
114 may provide content such as audio, video, images, data and the
like. The content may correspond to television programming, music,
pictures, and the like. In some embodiments, the content provider
114 provides content that can be selected by choosing a particular
channel (e.g., audio, video, graphical signals). Thus, a
combination of content signals may be output together to form a
complete channel. In one embodiment, the content provider 114 may
be an uplink facility that transmits the content to a satellite via
the communication path 116. In this embodiment, the network 110 may
include at least one satellite, a signal receiver, and a
transmitter. In some embodiments, the broadcast signal may be
transmitted wirelessly between the content provider 114 and the
content receiver 104. In other embodiments, the content provider
114 may be a cable television distribution head-end, over-the-air
transmission facility, broadband/internet servers and the like.
[0022] The content provider 114 sends the content through the
communication path 112 to the network 110. The network 110 may be
wireless (e.g., satellite, microwave and other radio frequencies)
or wired (e.g., fiber optic wire, coaxial cable) and provides the
communication paths 106, 112 between the content receiver 104 and
the content provider 114. In some embodiments, the network 110 may
further include satellites, receivers and/or transmitters to
transmit and receive content to and from the content receiver 104
and/or the content provider 114. Similarly, the communication paths
106, 112 may be wireless or wired, or any other type of electronic
communication mechanism. For example, in one embodiment, the
communication paths 106, 112 are wireless and receive/transmit
radio signals to and from satellites. In other embodiments, the
communication paths 106, 112 are fiber optic cables. In still other
embodiments, the network 110 (including the communication paths
106, 112) may include a combination of wired and wireless
communications.
[0023] The display device 102 may be in electronic communication
with the content receiver 104. The display device 102 may be
configured to display/output the content and/or data. For example,
the display device 102 may display the audio, video and data
signals on a television display and/or computer monitor. The
display device 102 may be any kind of electronic display such as a
cathode ray tube display, a liquid crystal display, a plasma
display and the like. Further, the display device 102 may also
include an audio output mechanism in addition to or instead of a
video display screen. For example, the display device 102 may
include (either external or internal) speakers to a liquid crystal
display screen, plasma display screen and the like.
[0024] The content receiver 104 receives content from the content
provider 114, processes the signal and then outputs the signal(s)
to the display device 102. The output signal 126 may be
communicated between the content receiver 104 and the display
device 102 via a communication path 108 either wirelessly or via a
hardwired connection. The content receiver 104 may be practically
any type of computing device able to render audiovisual content.
Additionally, in some embodiments, the content receiver 104 may
also be any device able to receive, transmit and/or process audio,
visual and/or data signals.
[0025] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of the content receiver 104 in
communication with the display device 102. Referring now to FIGS. 1
and 2, the content receiver 104 receives the content (i.e.,
broadcast signal) from the content provider 114. The content
receiver 104 may be any type of computing device able to receive,
display and/or process electronic signals either wirelessly or
through a wired connection. For example, the content receiver 104
may be a set top box, a television receiver, a digital video
recorder, and the like. The content source 104 may receive
practically any form/type of content from almost any number of
sources, this may include television programming, recoded
audio/video, electronic programming guide data, subtitles, matrix
barcode images, matrix barcode data and the like.
[0026] In some embodiments, the content receiver 104 may include a
network/communication interface 118, storage 122, a processor 120
and an input/output interface 124. Additionally, the content
receiver 104 may also include an optical drive (e.g., digital video
disc player, compact disc player, high definition digital video
disc player, Blu-ray.TM. player, or the like), a universal serial
bus drive and/or the like. Further, some or all of the components
of the content receiver 104 may be in electronic communication with
all or some of the other components via a system bus 128. The
system bus 128 may provide a communication path to and from
different components.
[0027] The network/communication interface 118 may receive a
broadcast signal 116 from the content provider 116 (via the
communication paths 106, 112 and/or network 110). As the network
110 may include a variety of electronic communication mediums, the
network/communication interface 118 may receive an over-the-air
broadcast signal, a direct broadcast satellite signal, a cable
television signal, an interne protocol television signal, and/or
any other type of electronic communication signals.
[0028] The storage 122 may store electronic data that may be
utilized by the content receiver 104. For example, the storage 122
may store an electronic programming guide, user preference data
(e.g., language, time zone and the like), settings data and the
like. The storage 122 may be any type of memory that can store
electronic data, such as one or more non-transitory storage media
(which may take the form of, but is not limited to, a magnetic
storage medium; optical storage medium; magneto-optical storage
medium; read only memory; random access memory; erasable
programmable memory; flash memory; and the like). The storage 122
may store identifiers associated with the location, user
information, language preference and/or the like of the content
receiver 104 and/or user.
[0029] The processor 120 may control operation of the content
receiver 104 and may be any electronic device cable of processing,
receiving and/or transmitting instructions. For example, the
processor 120 may be a microprocessor, a microcomputer and the
like. The processor 120 may be configured to generate content
(e.g., matrix barcodes) and/or display/overlay content (e.g.,
matrix barcodes, subtitles, and the like) on top of the broadcast
signal 116 and/or content display.
[0030] The input/output interface 124 provides communication to and
from the content receiver 104 to and from a variety of
devices/sources. For example, the input/output interface 124 may
receive data from a remote control, control buttons located on the
content receiver 104, other computing devices, and the like.
Additionally, the input/output interface 124 may also
receive/transmit data to and from an optical disc drive (e.g.,
digital video disc drive), universal serial bus drive, other
video/audio/data signals (e.g., signals from a video game console),
and the like. The input/output interface 124 may also provide an
output signal 126 to the display device 102. The output signal 126
may be substantially similar to the broadcast signal 116 but may
include additional information, such as a matrix barcode,
subtitles, and the like.
[0031] FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the broadcast
signal 116 for a select channel. Referring now to FIGS. 1-3, the
broadcast signal 116 is transmitted from the content provider 114
to the content receiver 104. The broadcast signal 116 may include
content such as audio, visual, and data signals and other data
associated with a video broadcast stream.
[0032] The broadcast signal 116 may also include multiple packet
identifiers (PIDs) that may associate portions or select signals of
the broadcast signal 116 with each other. For example, a particular
PID may include the audio, visual, graphical and data signals for a
select channel, such that each channel will display/output each
corresponding signal at the same time. For example, using an input
device (e.g., remote) a user may select a particular channel to be
displayed. When the user selects a particular channel, the content
receiver 104 determines the PIDs associated with the channel and
then processes the broadcast signal 116 in order to output the
selected signal(s).
[0033] As shown in FIG. 3, the particular PIDs for a select channel
may include an audio signal 130, a video signal 132, a graphical
signal 134 and/or a data signal 136. Also, in some embodiments, the
broadcast signal 116 may include multiple graphical signals 134
and/or data signals 136 for a select channel. For example, in some
embodiments the broadcast signal 116 for a particular time zone
(e.g., mountain standard time) may include a separate graphical
signal 134 and/or data signal 136 for each state (e.g., a different
graphical signal 134 for content receivers 104 in Colorado,
Wyoming, New Mexico, and so on).
[0034] The audio signal 130 may be an electronic signal with audio
sounds, such as music, speech and the like. The video signal 132
may be an electronic signal with video data, such as images,
movies, and other types of visual displays. The graphical signal
134 may include a matrix barcode, and/or electronic data that may
be configured to produce a matrix barcode, an image or the like.
Additionally, the graphical signal 134 may also include subtitling
data, such as subtitles corresponding to a particular channel. The
data signal 136 may include data similar to the other signals or
may include a separate type of data.
[0035] In one embodiment, the graphical signal 134 may include a
matrix barcode data and the data signal 136 may include subtitling
data. In other embodiments, the graphical signal 134 may include
both the matrix barcode 138 and subtitling data. In still other
embodiments, the data signal 136 may include information about a
particular channel, e.g., information such as the name of the
television show/movie currently selected, the time the show is on,
a description of the content and the like. In still other
embodiments, the data signal 136 may include data corresponding to
data to be implemented with a matrix barcode 138 that may within
the graphical signal 134 or generated via the content receiver
104.
[0036] Also, in some embodiments, either the graphical signal 134
or the data signal 136 may be omitted. For example, either the
graphical signal 134 or the data signal 136 may transmit data
corresponding to the omitted signal, e.g., the data signal 136 or
the graphical signal 134, respectively. In other words, the data
signal 136 may transmit the matrix barcode 138 and the graphical
signal 134 may be omitted. Similarly, the graphical signal 134 may
transmit data to construct the matrix barcode 138 and the data
signal 136 may be omitted. As such, the discussion of either signal
134, 136 should not be limited to a particular type of data and the
terms graphical and data used to describe each signal 134, 136 is
not intended to be limiting.
[0037] The graphical signal 134 and/or data signal 136 may be
similar to signals used for subtitling data, i.e., they may be
customized depending on the language preference of a user and/or
the location of a particular content receiver 104. This may be
possible because the broadcast signal 116 may include multiple
graphical and/or data signals 134, 136 for a particular channel.
For example, there may be a graphical signal 134 for Spanish and a
graphical signal 134 for English. In these embodiments, the
graphical signal 134 (and/or data signal 136) and corresponding
data (i.e., matrix barcode 138) may be customized based on the
location, preferences, and other factors of the user and/or content
receiver 104. For instance, the graphical signal 134 may be sent to
a subset of broadcast signal 116 viewers. For example, the
graphical signal 134 may be sent as a separate PID, such that the
PID may align with PIDs for audio/visual signals on in certain
locations. This means that a channel in one location may have a
first graphical signal and that same channel in another location
may have another graphical signal. These embodiments may allow the
matrix barcode 138 (as contained in either or both the graphical
signal 134 and the data signal 136) to be sent to multiple content
receivers 104, but only displayed on a select set of content
receivers 104 (or a single content receiver 1040. For example, the
matrix barcode 138 corresponding to a select geographical region
(e.g., particular state, county, city) may only be displayed by
content receivers 104 in that particular geographical region.
[0038] Additionally, the graphical signal 134 and/or data signal
136 may include data, such as metadata, specifying criteria for
presenting the matrix barcode 138 and/or other graphical images.
For example, the metadata may specify a particular geographic
region where a particular matrix barcode 138 should be displayed.
In other embodiments, either or both the graphical signal 134 and
the data signal 136 may include data that may allow the content
receiver 104 to create the matrix barcode 138. For example, in some
embodiments content receiver 104 may render the matrix barcode 138
based on information in either or both the graphical signal 134
and/or the data signal 136.
[0039] Moreover, multiple matrix barcodes 138 (e.g., matrix
barcodes 138 customized based on a particular geographic region,
channel, and the like) may be sent to a group or number of content
receivers 104. Each specific content receiver 104 may then be able
to select which matrix barcode 138 (out of the group) should be
displayed, if at all. For example, the graphical signal 134 may
include one matrix barcode 138 associated with data in a first
language and a second matrix barcode 138 associated with data in a
second language. The content receiver 104 may choose the matrix
barcode 138 to output to the display device 102 based on the user
setting/preference data (stored in storage 122) corresponding to
language. Thus, either via the graphical signal 134, the data
signal 136 and/a select matrix barcode 138 may be displayed via a
select content receiver 104. This may be beneficial, as the matrix
barcode 138 may embed certain data corresponding to a geographical
location of the content receiver 104 and/or user. Furthermore,
these embodiments may allow for multiple matrix barcodes 138 to be
sent over a single signal (e.g., the graphical or data signals 134,
146), but only the select matrix barcode 138 may be displayed.
[0040] FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating the display device
102 displaying a content image 140 with a matrix barcode 138
overlaid on the content image 140. Referring now to FIGS. 2-4,
after the content receiver 104 receives the broadcast signal 116,
the broadcast signal 116 may be provided and then selectively
displayed on the display device 102. For example, a user may select
a particular channel to be displayed on the display device 102. The
content receiver 104 may then process the broadcast signal 116 via
the processor 120 to determine the proper audio signal 130, video
signal 132, graphical signal 134 and/or data signal 136 associated
with the particular channel. In some instances, a particular
channel may have more or fewer signals then the signals illustrated
in FIG. 3, e.g., an audio-only channel. In these instances the
matrix barcode 138 may be displayed alone, rather than overlaid on
top of the content image 140.
[0041] The content receiver 104 checks to see if the graphical
signal 134 and/or the data signal 136 include any data to be
displayed. For example, the graphical signal 134 may include a
matrix barcode 138 and/or data instructing the processor 120 when
to display the matrix barcode 138. In other implementations, the
graphical signal 134 may include the matrix barcode and the data
signal 136 may include the information as to when/where the matrix
barcode 138 should be displayed. In still other embodiments, the
data signal 136 may include data that may allow the content
receiver 104 to create a matrix barcode 138 and/or information
corresponding to where/when to display the matrix barcode 138.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, if criteria for displaying the graphical
signal 134 are met the matrix barcode 138 (or other image) may be
overlaid on top of the video signal 132 image 140, e.g., the
specified channel is selected, the specified time is reached, and
so on. In this embodiment, the image 140 is displayed and the
matrix barcode 138 is displayed on top of a portion (or all) of the
image 140. It should be noted that the matrix barcode 138 may vary
in size, shape and/or location on the image 140. In other
embodiments, the matrix barcode 138 may be displayed on its own
(i.e., not overlaid on the image 140). For example, the matrix code
138 may be displayed on an audio only channel or on a channel (or
moment in time) without any audio or video signal 130, 132 (i.e.,
blank screen/sound). These embodiments may be desirable for
instances where there may not be an image 140 displayed.
[0043] The matrix barcode 138 may be a two-dimensional barcode with
data included in both the horizontal and vertical directions. Data
that may be included in the matrix barcode 138 may be practically
any type of data and/or other information. For example, in one
embodiment, the matrix barcode 138 may include numeric,
alphanumeric, binary, symbols, and the like. Additionally, the data
stored within the matrix barcode 138 (when the matrix barcode 138
is analyzed) may display information corresponding to a store
address, coupon, website address, telephone number, and almost any
other type of data/information. The matrix barcode 138 may be
readable by a barcode scanner, a digital camera, a computing
device, smart phone or the like. For example, a smart phone may
include a software program configured to scan and/or analyze the
matrix barcode 138 to extra data.
[0044] While the matrix barcode 138 is displayed over the image 140
(or as the only image) a user may capture the matrix barcode 138
via a camera/computing device. The user may then analyze the matrix
barcode 138 to view/decode its data. Further, the user may
transmit, store, or in any other manner electronically communicate
the matrix barcode 138 to stores, other users, third parties and
the like.
[0045] In other embodiments, the graphical signal 134 and/or data
signal 136 may include data corresponding to select aspects of the
matrix barcode 138 and the content receiver 104 may generate the
matrix barcode 138. For example, the data signal 136 may include
data such as the data to be embedded within the matrix barcode 114
(e.g., coupon code information or the like) and the content
receiver 104 (via the processor 120). The generated matrix barcode
138 may then include this information, as well as any
individualized information, such as a user's name, language
preference or the like that may be stored in the content receiver
104. In these embodiments, the size, shape, and other features of
the matrix barcode 138 may be additionally customized depending on
the content receiver 104 and/or a user's preferences. Further, the
graphical signal 134 and/or data signal 136 may also include data
such as the frequency, number of times, and the like that the
matrix barcode 138 should be displayed.
[0046] FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating one method 200 for
receiving and displaying a matrix barcode 138 on the display device
102. The method 200 begins with operation 202, in which the content
receiver 104 receives the broadcast signal 116. The broadcast
signal 116 may be sent from the content provider 114 or any other
source of content. Additionally, in operation 202 the broadcast
signal 116 may be transmitted wirelessly (e.g., radio
waves/frequencies), or via a hard wired connection (e.g., fiber
optic cables) or in any other suitable transmission manner. Also,
the broadcast signal 116 may be sent directly to a specific content
receiver 104, a select group of content receivers 104, and/or
multiple numbers of content receivers 104. As discussed above, the
broadcast signal 116 may include the audio signal 130, the video
signal 132, the graphical signal 134 and/or the data signal 136.
Any or all of these signals 130-136 may be common across various
content receivers 104 or may be customized to a particular content
receiver 104 and/or set of content receivers 104, e.g., have
different PIDs for each location and/or subset of users.
[0047] In next operation 204, the content receiver 104 outputs the
audio signal 130 and/or the video signal 132. In this operation 204
the content receiver 104 may output the audio signal 130 and the
visual signal 132 to the display device 102. However, it should be
noted that the signals 130, 132 may be output to any other
electronic device, for example to a computing device or the like.
In embodiments where the signals 130, 132 are output to the display
device 102, they may then be displayed/output on the display device
102 and/or speakers.
[0048] In the next operation 206, the content receiver 104 (via the
processor 120) analyzes the graphical signal 134 and/or data signal
136 to determine if a matrix barcode 138 should be displayed. The
content receiver 104 analyzes the signals 134, 136 to determine if
at a particular time, on a particular channel, and so on, the
matrix barcode 138 should be displayed. For example, a particular
content may include a matrix barcode 138 to be displayed at a set
time within the content. Therefore, the processor 120 may then
analyze if the user is viewing the particular content and then when
the content is being displayed at the particular time, the
processor 120 may indicate that the matrix barcode 138 should be
displayed. Additionally, the processor 120 may also determine if a
PID corresponding to a particular graphical and/or data signal 134,
136 corresponds to the geographic location of the content receiver
104.
[0049] In this operation 206, the content receiver 104 may analyze
the broadcast signal 116 to determine if there is a matrix barcode
138, when it should be output, where it should appear on the
display device 102 and/or the frequency in which the matrix barcode
138 should appear. In some instances, there may be no matrix
barcode 138 to be displayed or the matrix barcode 138 should be
displayed at another time. In this case, the method 200 proceeds to
operation 212. In operation 212 the non-modified broadcast signal
116 is output to the display device 102 and displayed. This means
that the audio signal 130, visual signal 132 and/or data signal 136
may be displayed. For example, a video and audio content with
subtitling may appear on the display device 102.
[0050] If in operation 206 the content receiver 104 determines that
the matrix barcode 138 should be displayed, then the method 200
proceed to operation 208. The matrix barcode 138 may be displayed
either in addition to or instead of the audio signal 130 and/or
video signal 132. In operation 208, the content receiver 104
overlays the matrix barcode 138 over the image 140 from the video
signal 132. In this case, the total image viewed by a user on the
display device 102 is the image 140 with the matrix barcode 138 on
top of a portion of the image 140. In other embodiments, the only
image that may be displayed on the display device 102 may be matrix
barcode 138. For example, there may be only an audio signal and/or
neither an audio signal or video signal, in addition to the matrix
barcode 138. The content receiver 104 may choose the matrix barcode
138 based on the geographical location, specific channel selected
and so on. For example, the data signal 136 may vary depending on
the geographical location, or may include data specifying the
matrix barcode 138 to display based on the particular location, or
the like of the content receiver 104.
[0051] As was discussed above, the location, size and length of
time that the matrix barcode 138 is displayed may be modified by
either the content provider 114 (when creating the broadcast signal
116), by the content receiver 104 and/or the user. Additionally,
any other features relating to the appearance, display
time/frequency, and the like, of the matrix barcode 138 may be
adjusted. Further, after the matrix barcode 138 has been displayed
the user may then record the matrix barcode 138 via a computing
device and/or camera. Once the user records the matrix barcode 138
it may be scanned and/or analyzed to present/decode or otherwise
illustrate data included within the matrix barcode 138.
[0052] FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method 300 for
receiving and displaying the matrix barcode 138 on a display device
102. In the method 300 of FIG. 6 the content receiver 104 generates
the matrix barcode 138, whereas in the method 200 of FIG. 5 the
matrix barcode 138 is provided to the content receiver 104. The
method 300 begins with operation 302. In this operation 302, the
content receiver 104 receives the broadcast signal 116. As
discussed above with respect to FIG. 5, the broadcast signal 116
may be transmitted to the content receiver 104 via practically any
method. In the next operation 304, the content receiver 104
analyzes the broadcast signal 116. The content receiver 104
analyzes the graphical signal 134 and/or the data signal 136 to
determine data associated with the matrix barcode 138.
[0053] The method 300 then proceeds to operation 306, and the
content receiver 104 generates the matrix barcode 138. The content
receiver 104 uses data included in the graphical signal 134 and/or
the data signal 136 to generate the matrix barcode 138 including
the desired data. For example, the data signal 136 may include data
listing a clothing store's address and website. The content
receiver 104 may then create a matrix barcode 138 with the clothing
store's address and website, and may additionally include
information specific to the content receiver 104 (or other data
stored in storage 122). For example, the user's name, city and the
like may be also included within the matrix barcode 138.
[0054] In the next operation 308, the audio signal 130 and/or the
video signal 132 are output. In this operation 308, the audio
signal 130 and/or the video signal 132 may be output to the display
device 102. Then, in operation 310, the content receiver 104
determines whether to display the matrix barcode 138. This
operation 310 may be based on data stored in either the graphical
signal 134, the data signal 136 and/or the storage 122.
[0055] If the content receiver 104 determines that the matrix
barcode 130 is to be displayed, the method 300 proceeds to
operation 312. The content receiver 104 overlays the matrix barcode
138 on top of the video image 140. In this embodiment, the display
may include the image 140 from the video signal 132 as well as the
graphical depiction of the matrix barcode 138. In other
embodiments, the matrix barcode 138 may be displayed along and/or
as the only image, i.e., without the image 140 and/or other
graphical image. Once the matrix barcode 138 is displayed, the next
operation 316 displays on the display device the generated matrix
barcode 138 on top of the video image 140. Once the matrix barcode
138 is displayed the user may record the image via a computing
device, camera or the like. The user may then scan/analyze (or
present to another person to scan/analyze) the matrix barcode 138
to present/decode the data.
[0056] If the content receiver 104 determines that the matrix
barcode 130 should not be displayed then operations proceed
directly to operation 314, and the broadcast signal 116 is output
to the display device 102.
[0057] One skilled in the art will understand that the following
description has broad application. For example, while embodiments
disclosed herein may focus on television broadcast signals, it
should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed herein equally
apply to other audio/video displays, such as digital video discs,
video tapes, and the like. Also, for the sake of discussion, the
embodiments disclosed herein may tend to focus on content receivers
such as set top boxes; however, these concepts apply to computing
devices that may analyze/process electronic signals. Accordingly,
the discussion of any embodiment is meant only to be exemplary and
is not intended to suggest that the scope of the disclosure,
including the claims, is limited to these embodiments.
[0058] In methodologies directly or indirectly set forth herein,
various operations and operations are described in one possible
order of operation but those skilled in the art will recognize the
operations and operation may be rearranged, replaced or eliminated
without necessarily departing from the spirit and scope of the
present invention. It is intended that all matter contained in the
above description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall be
interpreted as illustrative only and not limiting. Changes in
detail or structure may be made without departing from the spirit
of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
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